Ricky Groves

Richard Groves is an English actor best known for playing Garry Hobbs in the beloved, prime time BBC soap EastEnders from 2000 to 2009. For nine years we were able to watch Richard evolve the character of Garry Hobbs into the memorable name we all know and love today.

Starring in an incredible 783 episodes over the nine years, Richard was able to take part in some incredibly moving and heartbreaking scenes that were broadcast across the country about marriages, divorces and even paternity tests – everything you’d expect in a week on Albert Square. As of 2017 he is the 10th-longest serving actor in the history of EastEnders – tied with John Altman, Tony Caunter, Shane Richie, Nitin Ganatra and Himesh Patel.

Before his outstanding performance as Garry in EastEnders, Groves also appeared in the series Burnside on ITV, a spin-off from other hit prime time police TV show, The Bill where he played the character of Stu. He is one of 20 EastEnders actors to compete in Strictly Come Dancing show on BBC in 2004 and was paired with professional dancer Erin Boag. They were voted out in Week 10. He and his loving family appeared on the sixth series of All Star Family Fortunes. Ricky’s warm character is felt through the television screen in all he does. His contribution to great British television has made him one of the most memorable soap characters to date.